§ 21 Rule 116 (v.) – Abuse of Officials

IIHF Definition: An attempt by a player or team official to usurp the power of an on-ice official, demean or degrade an on-ice official, call into question the integrity or ability of an on-ice official, or physically confront an on-ice official.

V. Match Penalty (Replaced with a Game Misconduct)

Physical Abuse of Officials: 5' + Game Misconduct Penalty (Match penalty option is replaced by a 5' + Game Misconduct)

A player or team official who deliberately applies physical force in any manner against an on-ice official and is detrimental to the conducting of the game

A player who swings or physically uses his stick at an on-ice official

In any manner, attempts to injure or physically demeans an official

Deliberately applies physical force to an on-ice official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation

Automatic Suspension – Process - Immediately after the game in which such game misconduct penalty is imposed, the Referees shall, in consultation with the Linesmen, decide the category of the offense. They shall make a verbal report to the League Director of Hockey Operations immediately after game and a written report to the Director of Hockey Operations in which they may request a review as to the adequacy of the suspension.

EBEL Categories (Decision made by the Officiating team following the game):

Category 1 up to 3 games – physically demeans or threatens or applies force solely for the purpose of getting free of an official

EBEL Department of Player Safety (DOPS) – in consultation with the affected official and in consideration for the Category assessed by the game officials, EBEL DOPs will make a final determination for the game suspension length.